Associate in Arts Degree Technical Standards

All students in the Associate in Arts degree program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

Demonstrate ability to remember, understand, apply, analyze, and evaluate information.

Basic computer and word processing skills.

• Process information from multiple sources.
• Collect, analyze and interpret abstract and concrete data.
• Understand the difference between fact and opinion.
• Analyze feedback from instructors to make changes and improvements.
• Create a Word-accessible document or use word processing software compatible with our current learning management system.
• Access information using the Internet and in Moodle.
• Access and comprehend information from textbooks, journals, resource books, and other documents both in print and electronic formats.
• Access, read, compose, and send emails.

• Respond to instructors and/or other students with respect for their viewpoints whether in a traditional/face-to-face classroom or online.
• Function and contribute as part of a team.
• Exhibit ethical behavior and exercise good judgment.
• Negotiate interpersonal conflict.

• Speak and write in standard English (unless the student is enrolled in a foreign language course).
• Convey information clearly to others in a timely manner.
• Comprehend written material and/or verbal instruction to perform laboratory test procedures, assessment instructions, classroom activities/critiques, handouts, and workshops correctly and independently.

• Refer to Emotional/Behavioral examples.

• Move around and work in a classroom setting. Classes may be up to 90 minutes in duration and may require presentations and moving within the classroom for group work.
• Perform physical activities including but not limited to the manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer, keyboard, microscope, or other lab equipment.
• Tolerate wearing personal protective equipment including but not limited to safety goggles, aprons, and gloves.

• Distinguish and respond to sounds at a close range including but not limited to an instructor, other students in a classroom, and audio recordings.

Visual ability is sufficient for comprehending printed materials, specimens under a microscope, images, or videos projected on a screen.

• Tolerate working indoors in artificial light and the glare of a computer screen.
• Wear safety glasses/goggles.
• Use depth perception and peripheral vision.

• Use writing utensils, keyboards, and computer controls.
• Use manipulatives and scientific equipment.
• Assess, examine, and interpret findings through touch.

• Safely work with potentially harmful chemicals or biological samples in laboratory settings.
• Work in areas that are close, crowded, and/or noisy.

• Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Receive constructive feedback for improvement.

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.